General Dynamics (GD) Advanced Information Systems has been awarded a contract to work on the US Air Force’s (USAF) intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) guidance modernisation programme.
Under the terms of the $6.4m contract, the General Dynamics subsidiary will conduct performance analyses and develop evaluation strategies and lifecycle support plans for the next-generation missile guidance set architecture.
The study results are expected to provide the USAF with the necessary input to determine the direction for the next phase of the programme to ensure compatibility with the Minuteman III and future ICBM weapon systems.
General Dynamics Advanced Information Systems Critical Mission Systems vice-president Lisa Finneran said: "Leveraging our in-depth mission knowledge and approach to open architecture, we look forward to providing the Air Force with the most comprehensive evaluation of solutions to achieve an affordable, easy-to-produce and sustainable guidance system."
The company is planning to leverage its open architecture and open business model approach to enable the air force to assess the critical nuclear systems and develop an incremental modernisation plan that provides enhanced capability in the most efficient manner possible.
Specifically, the company would allow the USAF to quickly and affordably add, upgrade or reconfigure capabilities to address evolving mission requirements.
In addition to this, the company is expected to apply the experience gained from the design, deployment and sustainment of the guidance systems for the Polaris, Poseidon, Trident I and Trident II submarine launched ballistic missile (SLBM) to the air force’s ICBM mission.
